Manchester United veteran Casemiro has been a long-standing ambition for the Saudi Public Investment Fund
The Theatre of Red can confirm that Casemiro is a summer target for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) who hold a long-standing desire to bring the Brazilian to the Saudi Pro League (SPL)
The 32-year-old arrived in Manchester in August 2022 with a reputation as a world-leading midfielder who aimed to return the Old Trafford giants to their former glories.
His debut season was remarkable, but injuries and difficulties with form have led to an underwhelming second campaign, with many suggesting that now is the time to make the move.
Understanding the role of the PIF
Before attempting to break down the interest and how any move will come to fruition, it is important to understand that the PIF is the central deal maker in any potential agreement, and they hold ownership over four of the country’s strongest clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli.
Chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the PIF are long-time admirers of several of United’s star names, wanting to enhance the league with multiple household players.
When reading various reports of a particular Saudi club holding interest in a player, remember that the club itself is secondary. Should the PIF finalise an agreement with the five-time Champions League winner, they will ultimately decide which of the four clubs he plays for.
Will a deal be completed this summer
On signing for Manchester United, Casemiro penned a four-year deal to run until June 2026, with a weekly wage of £350,000 and the prospect of an additional £5 Million per year through performance-related bonuses.
With two years remaining on this colossal contract, he stands to earn approximately £36.5 Million when factoring in basic wage alone. The staggering figures have been an issue for quite some time, with former football director John Murtough advising the centralised deal makers that any transfer fee would not be argued largely on United’s side.
Speaking on the official Theatre of Red podcast, sports journalist Ben Jacobs felt recently quoted figures were inaccurate. “The more Manchester United can get – the better – but I don’t expect them to dig in, because it’s equally as important to get those wages off the books,” Ben told Shaun Connolly.
“I’m told the fee, from the Saudi point of view – Manchester United may have other ideas – won’t be as high as €40 Million. I think you are looking at €25 – €30 Million, but of course, there might be a few bonuses on top of that. But I think Manchester United would see €30 Million plus bonuses as good business.”
The expectation at this stage is that any deal will come down to the central negotiating team finalising an agreement to bring Casemiro to the SPL.
While United wish to recoup some form of the transfer fee, the prerogative remains to remove the player’s wages from weekly expenditure and stay respectful to a man whose accomplishments are deserving.
Ultimately, the decision about the player’s future lies solely with the player and his ambitions at this stage of his career.
Let us know how you feel about the situation in the comments below.
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